As more newspapers go from print to adding digital, is there any way for the paper editions to survive in the format that older generations of Americans knew? Journalists are asking themselves that question.
At one time, the morning paper thrown on the doorstep or bought from a street vendor was the way every day started. Today, the internet supplies the latest if not the breaking news. Journalists wonder if there is any way to save the trade for which they were trained when the median age for readers is around 50 years of age.
Future of Print Newpapers
The day when newspaper sent their reporters to the ends of the earth covering stories of international importance is over. The costs are just too high in a declining economy. They had editors that demanded quality journalism and were expected to develop sources, check and double check information. Now waht is demanded is speed, a brevity of words, and being able to adapt to digital reporting methods.
There are a few print newspapers, such as the New York Times, that are bucking the trend and still publishing print editions. However, there are increasing signs that its financial position is weakening almost daily. Revenue is increasingly coming from its digital edition.
Skills are Transferable
However, the skills of print journalists are transferable to internet editions of newspaper as well as to other sites that present information to readers. Being trained to gather and check information, organize it in ways that make sense, putting it in context and writing it clearly is an avenue to many opportunities. Even those who have been specialists in a specific field such as science, history, literature, law, computer science will find a niche where the ability to do those things are in demand.
Journalists do not have to give up their dreams of reporting on events or stories of interest to them and to share them with others through the written word. Maybe they will have to become entpreneurs--free lance writers that supply the hundreds of sites on the internet looking for qualified writers. It may not supply the security of the newsroom but it could turn out that becoming an independent contractor will open a whole new avenue into using their skills.
Bob Keller, executive editor of the New York Times, answered questions of journalists about their future as reporters. In "Talk to the Newsroom: Executive Editor" (NYT 1/30/2009), he did not send a hopeful picture about the future of print newspapers but encouraged writers to use their talents elsewhere.
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